Partnering with an Investment Banker

The Situation

In the competitive landscape of the Ottawa food industry, a manufacturer with a revenue of $6MM found itself at a crossroads. Seeking a sale to a competitor, the company was hindered by a series of stalled accounting and manufacturing process/compliance deficiencies. These obstacles not only threatened the potential sale but also the very operational efficiency and market position of the business.

The Intervention

Understanding the criticality of the situation, the food manufacturer’s Investment Banker engaged Integration Professionals. The intervention strategy was multi-faceted and dynamic, focusing on both immediate improvements and long-term sale prospects:

• Strategic Meetings Cadence: The establishment of a weekly all-hands meeting provided a platform for risk management and decision-making, augmented by daily sub-team meetings dedicated to issue resolution and process improvement.

• Expertise and Resource Augmentation: Roles essential for addressing the company’s deficiencies were brought in.

• Virtual Data Room Setup: Prioritizing transparency and efficiency, a Virtual Data Room was set up concurrently with the intervention measures to streamline the due diligence process for potential buyers.

• Communication and Timeline Management: A clear timeline and the list of improvements underway were communicated to all stakeholders, ensuring alignment and managing expectations effectively.

Project Results

• Increased Buyer Interest: The advanced preparation and the establishment of a Virtual Data Room made it easier for prospective buyers.

• Operational Momentum: The momentum generated by the effectiveness of the changes not only facilitated the sale but also led to the buyer requesting and funding additional initiatives, recognizing the value in continuing the improvement trajectory.